Living in Melbourne

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This information will help you get a feel for living in Melbourne, how to arrange accommodation, how much money you will need to support yourself (and any dependants), and where you can go to socialise and make friends.

It is a requirement of the Department of Home Affairsthat, from 1 July 2012, prospective overseas students will need to demonstrate that they have access to at least AUD$18 610 a year to fund their living costs in Australia. Initial establishment costs for a shared apartment, such as rental bonds for accommodation, electricity, gas and telephone, could add up to at least AUD$4 200.

More information about studying in Australia is available from the Australian Government's Study in Australia website:

Accommodation

Expenses

Non-tuition fees

We recommend that students budget AUD$600 per year to cover costs for textbooks, stationery and other sundry costs. The costs of books vary depending on your program. It is advisable for you to buy at a minimum the core textbooks suggested by their lecturers and reading lists.

Entertainment

Entertainment in Melbourne caters to a wide range of budgets.

Melbourne is one of the world's most popular cities with a diverse and vibrant culture, and a strong appreciation for quality of life. There is always something interesting on offer in Melbourne. Enjoy the superb entertainment, sporting events, shopping, international cuisine, cultural events and festivals held throughout the year.

Melbourne's events calendar is always packed with festivals, live music, exhibitions, theatre shows and sport. These provide opportunities to explore cultural and artistic aspects of Australia.

When you first arrive in Melbourne, a trip on the City Circle Trams can be a great way to visit different parts of the city. The City Circle Tram offer a free and convenient way to experience Melbourne while travelling on a heritage trams.

Public transport

Public Transport Victoria offers discounts on myki (myki is a ticket to travel on Melbourne's trains, trams and buses) tickets in selected zones, if the tickets bought are annual or quarterly.

Southern Cross University acknowledges and pays respect to the ancestors, Elders and descendants of the Lands upon which we meet and study.We are mindful that within and without the concrete and steel of buildings these Lands always were and always will be Aboriginal Land.